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The President's Bulletin

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The President’s Bulletin is a bi-weekly publication created to keep students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, friends, and others informed about the latest news at Downstate Health Sciences University. We hope you enjoy reading the articles and find them informative and useful.

Featured Article

Dr Riley

A Message from President Riley

by Office of the President - October 21 , 2025

As we begin a new academic year, I am pleased to welcome our returning students, faculty, and staff and warmly welcome the new students joining each of our colleges at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (Downstate).

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Dr. Kougias

Dr. Kougias Co-Authors Authoritative NEJM Review on Life-Threatening Aortic Condition

by Office of the President - October 21 , 2025

Downstate continues to earn distinction in academic medicine with the recent publication of a significant New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) review co-authored by Panos Kougias, M.D., MSc FACS, Professor in the Department of Surgery. The article,...

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Voices on Health, Equity, and Leadership Close Hispanic Heritage Month

by Office of the President - October 21 , 2025

Downstate reaffirmed its commitment to advancing health equity, inclusion, and leadership in the diverse communities we serve with a powerful and solutions-driven discussion titled “Latino and Underserved Community Leadership in Public Service,...

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Redefining Maternal Health Through Shared Power

by Office of the President - October 21 , 2025

In Brooklyn, a mother’s race can determine her chances of surviving childbirth, and the stakes are higher here than almost anywhere else in New York City. Over the past few years, Brooklyn has accounted for about a third of New York City’s pregnancy-related...

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Tags: Arthur Ashe, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Public Health

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Downstate Researchers Awarded Dual NIH Grants to Transform HIV Care

by Office of the President - October 21 , 2025

Two researchers from the Department of Medicine’s STAR Program at Downstate have received prestigious NIH grants to advance health equity through innovative HIV research. Their projects reflect Downstate’s mission to combine diagnostic innovation...

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photo of Dr. Adolph Frederick Erdmann

It’s Ether Day!

by Office of the President - October 21 , 2025

On October 16, 1846, a Boston surgeon placed an ether-soaked cloth over a patient’s face—and modern surgery began. Each year, World Anesthesia Day, also known as Ether Day, commemorates that moment. At Downstate, the anniversary holds special...

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Robert F. Furchgott

The Molecule Discovery That Changed Medicine

by Office of the President - October 21 , 2025

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Backpack Awareness

Bringing Backpack Safety to PS 235

by Office of the President - October 21 , 2025

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Walk and Think Pink!

by Office of the President - October 21 , 2025

University Hospital became the launch pad for a wave of pink on October 4 when hundreds gathered for the second annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. Partnering with The GodSquad and the 67th Precinct Clergy Council, and supported by Project ECHO...

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Shout Outs

Shout Outs

by Office of the President - October 21 , 2025

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In Case You Missed it

In Case You Missed It

by Office of the President - October 21 , 2025

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Dr Riley

A Message from President Riley

by Office of the President - October 7 , 2025

At Downstate, collaboration is more than a value. It is the force that turns vision into progress. This edition of the Bulletin shares examples of how connection across generations, disciplines, and communities is shaping the future of health.

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John Larosa, MD, FACP

Tribute to John C. LaRosa, M.D., FACP

by Office of the President - October 7 , 2025

I was saddened to learn of the passing of John C. LaRosa, M.D., FACP, 15th president of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University from 1999 to 2012. Dr. LaRosa was a respected Professor of Medicine and Public Health whose leadership left an indelible...

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Downstate Honors

More than 12,000 Years of Dedication to Downstate

by Office of the President - October 7 , 2025

Twelve thousand years of service—an extraordinary measure of loyalty, skill, and heart—were celebrated at Downstate between 2023 and 2025. Throughout this period, 608 colleagues were honored for their collective contributions to the strength...

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Tags: Awards, Faculty / Staff

Folate and Autism Research

Downstate Folate and Autism Research Goes National

by Office of the President - October 7 , 2025

Recent media coverage has focused on leucovorin (folinic acid) as a possible treatment for autism. While the headlines may be new, the science behind them is not. At the heart of this story is Edward V. Quadros, Ph.D., Research Professor of Medicine...

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Tags: Research

Thomas Wallach

Breakthrough to Boost Breastfeeding Success

by Office of the President - October 7 , 2025

Congratulations to Thomas Wallach, M.D., Assistant Professor, Research Director, and Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology, and Suzanna L. Attia, M.D., Kentucky Children’s Hospital, on their $2.5 million NIH R01 Research Project Grant to lead a Brooklyn-based...

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Tags: Research

BK SWAG Group Photo

From Locker Room to Lab: Connecting Sports and Science

by Office of the President - October 7 , 2025

The Office for Institutional Equity launched the fourth cohort of the Brooklyn Scholar-Athletes with Academic Goals (BK-SWAG) program, a four-week summer initiative established in 2021 to help high school students channel their passion for sports...

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Tags: BioBat

Autism Banner

Autism Awareness Fair Ignites Joy, Connection, and Practical Support for Neurodiverse Families

by Office of the President - October 7 , 2025

On Sunday, September 28, 2025, Downstate welcomed children, teens, adults with autism, family members, clinicians, and neighborhood partners for the 2025 Autism Resource and Awareness Fair. Organized by the Department of Pediatrics’ Division of...

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Tags: Community Health and Wellness, Downstate Health, Events

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Downstate/UAlbany Debut AI Mental Health Tools at Global Summit

by Office of the President - October 7 , 2025

On September 19, Downstate joined prestigious partners at the SUNY Global Center in Manhattan for the inaugural Annual Summit of the Global Center for AI in Mental Health (GCAIMH), titled “Resilient Innovation in Mental Health Through AI and Global...

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Tags: AI, Wellness

Shout Outs

Shout Outs

by Office of the President - October 7 , 2025

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In Case You Missed it

In Case You Missed It

by Office of the President - October 7 , 2025

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Dr Riley

A Message from President Riley

by Office of the President - September 23 , 2025

This October, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University reflects on the challenges and progress shaping our service, education, and care mission.

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Tags: Presidents Office